Purple Sweet Potato Recipes: Delicious and Nutritious Delights

Purple sweet potatoes are not only visually stunning with their vibrant hue, but they are also packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants. This versatile vegetable can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. In this article, we will explore several mouth-watering purple sweet potato recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Purple sweet potato gnocchi is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dish. The bright color of the gnocchi paired with the subtle sweetness of the potatoes makes for a truly unique dining experience. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a dinner party.

To make purple sweet potato gnocchi, you will need the following ingredients:

2 cups of mashed purple sweet potatoes
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 egg
Salt to taste
Butter and fresh sage leaves for serving

Instructions:

Boil the purple sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, egg, and salt to form a dough.
On a floured surface, roll the dough into long ropes, and cut them into small pieces.
Press each piece with a fork to create ridges.
Boil the gnocchi in salted water until they float to the top, then remove and drain.
Sauté the gnocchi in butter with fresh sage leaves for a crispy finish.

Purple Sweet Potato Pie

Purple sweet potato pie is a delightful dessert that's perfect for holidays or celebrations. The smooth and creamy filling, combined with the subtle sweetness of the potatoes, makes for an unforgettable treat.

To make purple sweet potato pie, you will need the following ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of mashed purple sweet potatoes
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup of melted butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
3 eggs
1 unbaked pie crust

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, sugars, cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, and spices.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set.
Allow the pie to cool before serving.

Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Purple sweet potato fries are a healthy and colorful alternative to regular fries. They are easy to make and pair well with a variety of dipping sauces.

To make purple sweet potato fries, you will need the following ingredients:

2-3 large purple sweet potatoes
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt to taste
Optional: paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for seasoning

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into fries.
In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil and your choice of seasonings.
Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the fries are crisp and golden.
Season with salt to taste and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Guide to Cooking Perfect Purple Sweet Potatoes

Cooking purple sweet potatoes is a straightforward process that brings out their natural sweetness and vibrant color. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked purple sweet potatoes:

Choose firm and smooth purple sweet potatoes without blemishes.
Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
Peel the potatoes if desired, though the skins are also edible and nutritious.
Decide whether to boil, bake, or steam the potatoes:

Boiling: Cut the potatoes into chunks and boil in salted water for about 20 minutes, or until tender.
Baking: Roast whole or sliced potatoes at 400°F (205°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until soft.
Steaming: Steam whole or cut potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until easily pierced by a fork.

Mash or use the cooked potatoes in your desired recipe.

FAQ

Q: Are purple sweet potatoes healthier than regular sweet potatoes?

A: Purple sweet potatoes and regular sweet potatoes both offer health benefits, but purple sweet potatoes have higher levels of anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants.

Q: Can I substitute purple sweet potatoes in any recipe that calls for regular sweet potatoes?

A: Yes, you can substitute purple sweet potatoes for regular sweet potatoes in most recipes. Keep in mind that the cooking time and texture might vary slightly.

Q: How should I store purple sweet potatoes?

A: Store purple sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause them to become hard and ruin their texture.